Police looking for suspect who stole guns from Chesapeake pawn shop

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Police are looking for a suspect who burglarized Pawns Unlimited around 11 p.m. on January 26.

The owners told News 3's Aleah Hordges that surveillance video shows someone breaking through a window and using a bolt cutter to steal four rifles and a shot gun worth $1,000 in total.

Co-owner Bobbi Gastler said those were the only guns in the store's inventory at the time.

"It was about two to three minutes from that first initial break in to when police were on scene," Gastler said.

Employees believe it was the same person who broke into the business in November 2017, but this time they say the suspect came prepared.

"In January they came back with bolt cutters, so that's how they were able to get them," added Gastler.

"He went right for them. He cut the lock and he left. He didn't touch the cash register, he didn't go anywhere else; that's what he wanted. He came in and got it and left," added CJ Nalevaiko added.

Chesapeake Police and the ATF are investigating the theft.

Police said the Chesapeake Crime Line is offering up to $1,000 and the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco Firearms and the National Shooting Sports Foundation is offering a $2,500 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

Pawns Unlimited said they're now taking preventative measures to make sure the burglary doesn't happen for the third time.

Bars remain on the front window and flood lights are placed outside the store.

Employees said weapons are locked in a gun safe every night and jewelry is displaced in cases.

The store's owners also mentioned that they're turning a bad situation into a good one by remodeling inside the store and making their items more affordable.

"It brings people in and will give us more business, so that's something we've changed since the break in," Gastler said. "It's a setback, but then I think the new look on it will actually be better in the long run."

You're asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-IP (1-888-562-5887) if you have any information on this burglary.